Press Releases for Kids With Food Allergies

Read Press Releases issued by Kids With Food Allergies, Inc

February 2008

Are You A Careful Kisser? How to Smooch Safely With Food Allergies Valentine's Day

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. -- February 12, 2008-- For most parents of teens, Valentine’s Day may evoke over-protective thoughts regarding their child. "I’ve got two daughters and I think they should never kiss anyone!" exclaimed Roger Friedman, MD, Clinical Professor of Allergy, Immunology, and Pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

All joking aside, parents of food-allergic children have even more cause to be wary of smooching. Today, 3 to 4 million children are affected by food allergies, and allergic reactions can be triggered not just by consuming food firsthand. Kissing—ranging from passionate to a peck on the cheek—can also prompt a reaction.

"You’re pretty unlikely to have anything severe happen from a kiss. But it can happen and you need to be smart," Dr. Friedman advised.

A common form of affection on Valentine’s Day, kissing becomes a problem when a grandparent or date consumes an allergen before smooching a food-allergic child or teen.

"A peck on the cheek from a parent or relative will almost always only result in a local reaction such as a welt or hive;  it's very unlikely to cause any severe reaction that you’d be worried about," Dr. Friedman explained. 

Short of suggesting kissing be prohibited this Valentine’s Day, Dr. Friedman recommends teenagers, especially, play it safe. "If you’re in a committed relationship that involves passionate kissing, tell your date 'I'm allergic to nuts, please don't eat any before you kiss my face!'" he suggested.

Todd D. Green, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, agreed.

"If a date cares enough about their Valentine to kiss her or him, hopefully they’ll care enough to refrain from eating the food their Valentine is allergic to that day," he said.

Kissing (and even sharing utensils, straws and cups) causes exposure to food allergens through saliva, which can contain enough allergen to cause local and systemic allergic reactions. In a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, participants ingested two tablespoons of peanut butter to establish how long the peanut allergen stays in saliva. Researchers collected the saliva of the participants at different times, and also evaluated mouth-cleansing techniques (brushing teeth, rinsing and chewing gum).

According to the study, "the most effective way to avoid causing an allergic reaction, if you’re going to eat the food to which your partner is allergic, is to eat the food several hours before a kiss and have a meal free of the allergen before you kiss—although not eating the food at all would always be the safest approach," said Dr. Green.

Though the risk of having a severe allergic reaction from a kiss is small, there is always a slight possibility, said Dr. Green. "Unfortunately you can’t predict the amount of protein that will be transferred during kissing, and it is difficult to predict the reaction," he said. That said, it is better to err on the safe side.

Online support group Kids With Food Allergies offers these tips for safe smooching on Valentine's Day:

• Remind your kissing partner about your allergies;
• Suggest your partner avoid eating serious allergens, if possible;
• Ask your partner to minimize allergen exposure, such as by washing hands and face, or brushing teeth thoroughly, before kissing;
• Carry appropriate medication and know how to use an injectable epinephrine kit;
• Wear emergency medical identification (such as a Medic Alert® bracelet).

For more tips on staying safe this Valentine's Day, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

Dr. Friedman reminds parents that a kiss on Valentine’s Day is unlikely to be 'the kiss of death.'

"Worry about the right things," he advised. "Overall, the risks of developing a severe reaction from a kiss are rare and unusual."

Founded in 2005 as a nonprofit charity, Kids With Food Allergies, Inc. is the largest online support organization for parents and families raising food-allergic kids, with 10,000 members nationwide. The online community has a range of offerings, including online discussion forums or "support groups" offering peer information sharing, social and emotional support, and cooking help; allergy-friendly recipes; food allergy news, articles and research updates; allergen-free shopping, and more. Kids With Food Allergies' roots trace back nearly seven years to a handful of dedicated parents sharing experiences online about raising children with food allergies. The recent, unprecedented rise in food allergies has spurred the group's rapid growth. For more information, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

Media contact:  Lynda Mitchell, Kids With Food Allergies  215-230-5394
Click here for Email

 

December 2007

Free Holiday Recipes, Tips and Craft Ideas Available to Food Allergy Families

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Dec. 12 -- Families of children with food allergies have a new tool for making the holidays fun and safe this year. A new booklet from leading online allergy support group Kids With Food Allergies - featuring tips, crafts and recipes for Christmas - is available for free by visiting www.kidswithfoodallergies.org [download booklet]

The Christmas booklet includes ideas for non food-related crafts and activities, safe dining tips, and holiday recipes including allergy-free gingerbread cookies, frosting, candy canes and "rice" nog.

The holidays can be a challenging time for a growing number of children with food allergies. Today, one in 17 children, or three to four million kids, are affected by allergies to foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts, ingredients commonly found in holiday foods. In many cases, allergies to certain foods can be severe or even life-threatening.

"Many people can't imagine Christmas without foods like egg nog and peanut brittle but that's what life is like - every day - for people with food allergies," notes Lynda Mitchell, President of Kids With Food Allergies. "With food taking center stage during the holiday season, even more planning and care is required on the part of food allergy families. The goods news is that Christmas can be just as enjoyable, especially if an effort is made to spend time on activities not solely focused on food."

Examples of holiday planning tips include:

Founded in 2005 as a nonprofit charity, Kids With Food Allergies, Inc., is the largest online support organization for parents and families raising food-allergic kids, with more than 10,000 members nationwide. The online community has a range of offerings, including online discussion forums or "support groups" offering peer information sharing, social and emotional support, and cooking help; allergy-friendly recipes; food allergy news, articles and research updates; allergen-free shopping, and more. Kids With Food Allergies' roots trace back nearly seven years to a handful of dedicated parents sharing experiences online about raising children with food allergies. The recent, unprecedented rise in food allergies has spurred the group's rapid growth. For more information, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

 

October 2007

Halloween Can Be Tricky for Food Allergy Families: KFA Offers Halloween Trick-or-Treating Tips

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - October 1, 2007 - Halloween can be a tricky time for a growing number of children who have food allergies. Today, one in 17 children, or three to four million kids, are affected by allergies to foods such as milk, peanuts and tree nuts, ingredients commonly found in candy. Often the most life-threatening, peanut allergy, for example, has doubled in the last five years.

"Children with food allergies can enjoy Halloween just as much as other kids but it takes planning and vigilance," notes Lynda Mitchell, president of online support group Kids With Food Allergies (www.kidswithfoodallergies.org). "When my son was a toddler, he had a severe reaction on Halloween because I unknowingly allowed him to carry a treat that included ingredients he was allergic to, not realizing that he would try to bite right through the paper wrapper while we were walking. I learned firsthand the importance of preparing in advance - such as supplying neighbors with safe candy for my son - and closely watching him as he trick-or-treated."

As the number of food-allergic children continues to rise, more and more parents are challenged with keeping their kids and neighbor children safe this Halloween. To help make Halloween fun for everyone this year, Kids With Food Allergies (KFA) offers the following tips:

• Purchase a variety of candy, including some that does not include any milk, soy, peanuts or tree nuts. Read labels carefully as some ingredients may be hidden.
• Let children pick out the candy that's suited for them.
• Consider having non-food items on hand, including stickers, fun pencils, small toys or even coins for the child's piggybank.

Following are tips for parents of food-allergic kids:

• Be sure to carry your child's emergency medicines with you while trick-or-treating.
• Fill your child's trick-or-treat bag or pumpkin slightly full with treats to give him/her a head start on collecting safe candy.
• Visit your neighbors in advance to drop off candy your child can safely eat.
• Carry safe snacks with you while trick-or-treating.
• Do not allow young children to carry treats they may be allergic to.
• Trade unsafe candy for allergen-safe treats or age-appropriate non-food items once your children return home. Non-food ideas include coloring books, storybooks, pencils, stickers, stuffed animals and play dough.
• Have the "Candy Fairy" visit during the night and exchange unsafe candy for a toy, money or small gift.
• Check all ingredients. Remember that treat-sized candy may have different ingredients or be manufactured on different machinery than their full-sized counterparts.
• Plan an alternative activity, such as going to the movies, hosting a slumber party or having a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood for safe treats or other items.

For a free booklet with tips on safe trick-or-treating and other fun Halloween activities, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

Founded in 2005 as a nonprofit charity, Kids With Food Allergies, Inc. is the largest online support organization for parents and families raising food-allergic kids, with 10,000 members nationwide. The online community has a range of offerings, including online discussion forums or "support groups" offering peer information sharing, social and emotional support, and cooking help; allergy-friendly recipes; food allergy news, articles and research updates; allergen-free shopping, and more. Kids With Food Allergies' roots trace back nearly seven years to a handful of dedicated parents sharing experiences online about raising children with food allergies. The recent, unprecedented rise in food allergies has spurred the group's rapid growth. For more information, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

 

August, 2007

Homework Starts Early for Food Allergy Families

- Kids With Food Allergies Shares Tips for Back to School -

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - August 21, 2007 - While many are still enjoying the lazy days of summer, parents of kids with food allergies are busy preparing to ensure their children stay safe back in the classroom.

Parent Lynda Mitchell knows the importance of planning firsthand. The mother of a son with a life-threatening dairy allergy, Mitchell credits a food-allergy action plan with saving her son's life in the first grade.

"During the second week of school as a first grader, my son had an allergic reaction following lunch and went into anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition," explains Mitchell, now president and founder of online support community Kids With Food Allergies ( www.kidswithfoodallergies.org ). "Using the prescribed medication and physician orders I provided on the first day of school along with an action plan developed together with school staff, the school nurse quickly assessed him and gave him an injection of epinephrine. At the same time, 911 was called and he was rushed to the emergency room, where he recovered. I know how planning and making sure a school knows how to handle allergic reactions can save a child's life because it saved my child's life."

As food allergies become more common - now affecting more than three million U.S. children - parents, caregivers and school personnel are among those impacted most. Transferring from the safe confines of a child's home to a daycare or school setting can be a challenging experience, and ensuring a smooth transition takes planning.

"Preparation is key, and the earlier the better," says Mitchell. "The 'Food Allergy ABC's' are a great place to start: an Action plan that outlines signs of a reaction and appropriate medical treatment; a Buddy system that enlists the support of classmates; and Communication and Collaboration with school staff and other parents to create a safe, fun environment."

Following are tips for parents to help keep food allergic kids safe at school:

Founded in 2005 as a nonprofit charity, Kids With Food Allergies, Inc. is the largest online support organization for parents and families raising food-allergic kids, with more than 9,000 members nationwide. The online community has a range of offerings, including online discussion forums or "support groups" offering peer information sharing, social and emotional support, and cooking help; allergy-friendly recipes; food allergy news, articles and research updates; allergen-free shopping, and more. Kids With Food Allergies' roots trace back nearly seven years to a handful of dedicated parents sharing experiences online about raising children with food allergies. The recent, unprecedented rise in food allergies has spurred the group's rapid growth. For more information, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

 

May 9, 2007

Survey Reveals Top Challenges of Raising Children With Food Allergies
May 13-19th is Food Allergy Awareness Week

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., May 9 -- Parents of food-allergic kids cite nutrition, safety and education as top concerns, with stress, fear and isolation common among many food allergy families, according to a new survey conducted by national nonprofit Kids With Food Allergies.

Preparing meals, finding safe foods and ensuring a balanced, nutritious diet headed the list of the biggest challenges of raising a food-allergic child. Keeping children with food allergies safe at school, day care and social gatherings, and educating others about the seriousness of such allergies were also among top problems.

The emotional impacts also ranked high on the list. The daily stress of managing food allergies - from diligent reading of food labels to concerns about cross contamination - was among the top issues, as was feeling alone and like others don't understand, and fear of a child suffering a life-threatening reaction.

Food allergies are on the rise, especially among children. Of the estimated 12 million people in the U.S. who have food allergies, three-to-five million are kids. Eight foods - wheat, milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish - cause 90 percent of food allergies. While food allergies are sometimes outgrown, there is no cure. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction, which sometimes can be fatal.

"The results clearly underscore the huge emotional toll on families living with food allergies on a daily basis," said Kids With Food Allergies founder Lynda Mitchell, whose teenage son has a life-threatening dairy allergy. "Since most families lack local support groups, the Internet has played a key role in helping families connect with others to find safe recipes and food ideas, and to share strategies for helping food-allergic kids lead healthy, happy, fulfilling lives."

Among other findings, survey participants noted they turn most to the Internet to learn more about food allergies, find others who understand, find safe foods and products, receive cooking/recipe help, and get news and research updates.

More than 350 parents nationwide participated in the survey, the largest survey conducted by Kids With Food Allergies. Seventy percent of the respondents have a child with more than one food allergy or intolerance.

ABOUT KIDS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES

Founded in 2005 as a nonprofit charity, Kids With Food Allergies, Inc. is the largest online support organization for parents and families raising food-allergic kids, with more than 9,000 members nationwide and internationally. The online community has a range of offerings, including online discussion forums or "support groups" offering peer information sharing, social and emotional support, and cooking help; database of allergy-friendly recipes; food allergy articles, news and research updates; and allergen-free foods, cookbooks, and more. Kids With Food Allergies' roots trace back nearly nine years to a handful of dedicated parents sharing experiences online about raising children with food allergies. Membership has doubled in the past year alone, spurred by the recent, unprecedented rise in food allergies. For more information, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

CONTACT: Lynda Mitchell, Kids With Food Allergies, 215-230-5394,
Click here for Email

March 20, 2007

Rise in Food Allergies Spurs "Unexpected" Growth of National Nonprofit

Doylestown, PA. - March 20, 2007 - The rise in childhood food allergies has led to the rapid growth of one of the first online resources dedicated to helping families of food-allergic children.

Kids With Food Allergies (www.kidswithfoodallergies.org) celebrated its second anniversary this month by signing its 8,000th member, making the charity the largest online support group for parents and families raising food-allergic kids. Membership has doubled in the past year alone, spurred by the recent, unprecedented rise in food allergies.

An estimated 12 million people in the U.S. have food allergies, of which three-to-five million are children. Lacking local support groups, more and more parents and families are turning to the Internet for information and support.

Kids With Food Allergies' roots trace back nearly seven years to a handful of dedicated parents, including founder Lynda Mitchell, sharing experiences online about the challenges of raising children with food allergies. Since then, the organization, founded as a nonprofit charity in 2005, has grown into the nation's second largest member organization for families managing food allergies.

"Raising a child with food allergies is often an overwhelming and isolating task. There's a lot of clinical information out there about allergies, but what's missing is a personal connection to others for social and emotional support," said Lynda Mitchell, president of Kids With Food Allergies whose son - now a teenager - developed multiple food allergies as an infant.

"Our goal is to utilize the power of the Internet to connect families nationwide who wanted to share stories, recipes and coping strategies and by doing so, foster the health and well-being of both families and their food-allergic children. By providing our support group on the Web, families can connect with others like them any day, any time, by simply going online," Mitchell stated. "We did not expect to grow so quickly - it's definitely exceeded our expectations and is a testament to how prevalent food allergies have become today."

The online community has a range of offerings, including:
- Online discussion forums, or "support groups," offering peer information sharing, and social and emotional support, and food and cooking help
- Database of allergy-friendly recipes
- Frequently asked questions
- Food allergy news, articles and research updates, and
- Marketplace featuring allergen-free foods, cookbooks, apparel and more.

For more information, visit www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

Media Contact: Lynda Mitchell, President
Kids with Food Allergies
Ph.: 215-230-5394
Fax: 215-340-7674
Click here for Email

February 28, 2005

Kids With Food Allergies Announces Its Family Support Web site 

Doylestown, PA, February 28, 2005--A new Web site offering tools to assist families with the challenges of living with their children's food allergies has been launched by Kids with Food Allergies, Inc., a new U.S.-based nonprofit organization.

Kids With Food Allergies' Web site, http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org, offers an online support community with message boards and chat rooms as well as a searchable recipe database, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) created by its multi-disciplinary Medical Advisory Team, and more. The Health on the Net Foundation has reviewed the Web site and found it to be in compliance with its HON code of conduct, an initiative to improve the quality of health information on the World Wide Web.

Food allergies affect approximately 6 to 8% of U.S. children, and have been increasing in prevalence over the past several years. Studies show that food allergy creates stress on the family and child, and impacts a family's quality of life. Support groups can help families cope with the challenges in raising a food allergic child; however, many parents are unable to find food allergy support groups where they live.

"As a parent of a severely food allergic child, I understand the challenges and isolation that food allergies can add to our day-to-day lives," says Lynda Mitchell, M.A., President and one of the founders of the new organization. "I know that parent-to-parent support can be immensely helpful in coping with the isolation as well as gaining useful insights from other parents. This helps in raising a happy, healthy food allergic child. We've launched Kids With Food Allergies to address the need of many parents who are raising children with food allergies and are looking for online peer support.

Kids With Food Allergies was granted tax-exempt status as a charitable organization under IRS Code 501(c)(3) in late 2004. The founding volunteer members of its Board of Directors are Veronica Broadley (Arizona), Danielle Keblaitis (Michigan), Kim Khosla, M.D. (Ohio), Lynda Mitchell (Pennsylvania), and Nicole Shields Smith (Colorado). 

The organization has been created to meet the growing need for online peer support previously provided by the Parents of Food Allergic Kids (POFAK) support group, founded in 1998. POFAK had grown to include over 2900 members from a number of countries including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, the U.K., and others before its move to the new Kids With Food Allergies online support community. 

Kids With Food Allergies memberships are available without charge to any family. 

Contact Information:
Lynda Mitchell, M.A.
Kids With Food Allergies, Inc.
73 Old Dublin Pike, PMB 163
Doylestown, PA 18901

Click here for Email

Source: Kids With Food Allergies, Inc.
Web site: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org